wills

Rochester, MN Wills Lawyer – Protecting Your Loved Ones and Securing Your Legacy

Creating a will is one of the most important steps you can take to ensure that your assets are distributed according to your wishes and that your loved ones are protected.

At Rodney D. Anderson Law Offices, LLC, we specialize in helping individuals and families in Rochester, MN craft personalized wills that reflect their unique circumstances and goals. A well-drafted will not only provides clear instructions for the future but also helps prevent family disputes and ensures your legacy is handled exactly the way you intend. Protect your family’s future with peace of mind today.

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What Is a Will?

A will is a legal document that outlines how your assets should be distributed after your passing. It allows you to specify beneficiaries for your property, appoint guardians for minor children, and designate a Personal Representative to manage your estate. Without a will, state law determines how your assets are divided, which may not reflect your wishes.

Creating a will gives you control over your legacy, helps prevent disputes, and ensures your loved ones are taken care of according to your specific instructions. It’s an essential part of any estate plan.

Our Will Services

At Rodney D. Anderson Law Offices, LLC, we provide a full range of services to help you create a comprehensive will that reflects your wishes and protects your loved ones. Our services include:

Custom Will Drafting

We work closely with you to draft a will that reflects your unique wishes and estate planning goals. This ensures that your assets are distributed according to your preferences and that your loved ones are cared for.

Guardianship for Minor Children

If you have minor children, we help you designate trusted guardians to ensure their care in case of an unforeseen event, providing peace of mind that their future is secure.

Personal Representative Designation

The Personal Representative, or executor, is the person or entity responsible for managing your estate after you pass away. This includes gathering and valuing assets, paying debts and taxes, and distributing your property according to your will. We help you choose a reliable Personal Representative who will ensure your wishes are carried out and your estate is administered efficiently and fairly.

How do I choose a Personal Representative?

Choosing a Personal Representative is a crucial decision. It’s important to designate someone trustworthy, organized, and capable of handling financial and legal responsibilities. This could be a family member, friend, or a corporate trust department. Consider their ability to stay impartial and follow through on your wishes.

Will Review & Updates

Over time, your circumstances may change. You can modify your will at any time by creating a codicil (an amendment) or drafting a new will entirely. We provide ongoing services to review and update your will, ensuring it reflects your current life situation and remains legally sound. Our goal is to provide you with the legal guidance necessary to secure your family’s future and bring you peace of mind.

How often should I update my will?

You should update your will after any major life event — such as marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, or acquiring significant assets — or every few years to ensure it remains aligned with your wishes and current laws.

What happens if I die without a will in Minnesota?

When someone dies without a will in Minnesota, intestate succession laws determine how your probate estate is distributed. Generally, your “probate” estate are assets held solely in your individual name with no beneficiary designation. Your intestate estate consists of your probate assets, excluding certain statutory exemptions and allowances. The intestate succession laws prioritize close family members, and the outcome depends on whether you are married or have children, parents, or other remote relatives. The succession laws provide:

Married Persons: If you are married at the time of your death your surviving spouse will inherit your entire intestate estate if you die without surviving children or descendants. If all of your descendants are from you and your spouse, and your spouse has no descendants from a prior relationship, then your surviving spouse will still inherit your entire intestate estate. However, if you or your spouse have descendants from a prior relationship, the rules change. In such a case, your spouse is entitled to the first $225,000 of your intestate estate, plus one-half of the remaining balance. Your surviving children will receive the other half of the remaining balance, in equal shares; provided that if a child predeceases you leaving descendants, that deceased child’s share will pass to their descendants.
Unmarried Persons: If you have children, your intestate estate will be divided equally among your surviving children and any deceased children who have surviving descendants. The share of a deceased child will be divided among that deceased child’s descendants, in equal shares. If you do not have any surviving descendants then your intestate estate will go to your parents, in equal shares; if only one parent survives you, they will receive the entire intestate estate. If neither parents survive you, your intestate estate will be passed to your siblings by right of representation. Distributing your intestate estate beyond your siblings is more complicated.

These laws may lead to unintended outcomes, which is why creating a will ensures your assets go exactly where you want them.

Why Choose Rodney D. Anderson Law Offices, LLC?

At Rodney D. Anderson Law Offices, LLC, we bring over 30 years of experience in estate planning, ensuring your will is crafted with care and precision. Our client-focused approach means we take the time to understand your personal circumstances and goals, providing customized legal solutions that protect your family and assets.

We offer flexible appointments, including evening hours and Zoom consultations, and even make house calls to accommodate your needs. Our long-term support ensures your will remains up-to-date as life changes.

Frequently Asked Questions About Wills

You can distribute your assets equally or specify particular items or amounts for each beneficiary. An experienced Rochester wills lawyer can guide you in creating a plan that reflects your wishes while considering tax and legal implications.

Using tools like revocable living trusts, joint ownership, Transfer On Death Deed, or designating beneficiaries for accounts can help transfer assets outside of probate, saving time and costs.

Take Control of Your Future with a Legally Sound Will

Don’t leave your family’s future to chance. At Rodney D. Anderson Law Offices, LLC, we provide personalized will-drafting services to ensure your wishes are clearly defined and your loved ones are protected. Whether you need to create a new will or update an existing one, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

Call (507) 288-3156 today to schedule a consultation and speak to an experienced estate planning attorney in Rochester or the Twin Cities.

Protect your legacy with Rodney D. Anderson Law Offices. Our experienced estate planning attorneys in Rochester, MN, will create a personalized plan to ensure your assets are distributed as you wish.

phone

(507) 288-3156

address

206 South Broadway, Suite 404
Rochester, MN 55904

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